From the 5 Towns Jewish Times – October 25, 2019
http://www.5tjt.com/

The Bridge Multicultural and Advocacy Project hosted a major new “Economic Initiative Event” jointly with the Caribbean-Israel Leadership Coalition on September 26. This vibrant conference attracted hundreds of participants including prominent civic, religious, and business figures as well as leaders from the Jewish community and a distinguished array of political leaders from the Caribbean countries. Both communities exchanged innovative ideas and suggestions to build strong economic ties with the State of Israel.

Bishop Andre Thomas, the president of the CILC, welcomed the group of dignitaries from around the globe who traveled to Brooklyn for the express purpose of attending this groundbreaking conference. In a speech that pulsated with great passion and commitment to this seminal venture, Bishop Thomas expressed tremendous optimism at the panoply of opportunities available from the Israeli government to assist Caribbean countries in the fields of business and technology, agricultural support, cybersecurity, and the development of state-of-the-art housing construction. The Caribbean-Israel Leadership Coalition also functions as a nexus between the Caribbean community, religious organizations, elected and public officials, civil society, and the private sector. The Coalition works toward opening the lines of communication between the government and people of Israel and the government and people of the Caribbean.

Mark Meyer Appel, the founder and CEO of The Bridge, welcomed the assembled guests and expressed his excitement in joining this partnership with CLIC. “This joint economic project will further enhance the mission of The Bridge in uniting our diverse communities,” he said. “The Bridge has a long and storied history of assisting many countries in times of need. We are exceptionally pleased to join this project which will provide economic development for those Caribbean countries that need assistance. Our internationally renowned success in the rescue work that we organized in Puerto Rico, Yemen, and Haiti during some difficult times just underscores the critical necessity of establishing strong partnerships with communities in the United States and Israel,” declared Mr. Appel.

Mr. Appel then introduced the Economic Minister of Israel to North America, the Honorable Inon Eloy. Honorable Eloy discussed the various projects that are now being introduced to foster and improve the economic opportunities in the Caribbean countries. He shared that he was very excited to share this special initiative with those in attendance.

In a passionate address, the Honorable Farah N. Louis— who has become an icon in the community as one who embraces unity among all to further economic growth and opportunity among our diverse population— discussed the importance of such a gathering for economic growth and building partnership.

Apostle Pastor James Duncan, who organized the conference, proclaimed that this project will be highly successful in helping many Caribbean countries expand their exports and agricultural capacity.

The goal of Caribbean-Israel Leadership Coalition is:

• To drive and facilitate the use of groundbreaking Israeli innovation, expertise, and technology into the Caribbean.

• To facilitate economic and social development for the less-developed states of the Caribbean.

• To boost economic growth, create jobs, enhance livelihoods, and strengthen access to quality healthcare and educational opportunities. These would play a significant role towards achieving the UN’s sustainable development goals in the Caribbean